Born in Weigelsdorf, Sudetenland, within sight of the ‘Alt Vater Gebirge’, Alois was the youngest son of Aurelia and Hubert Lack. He often spoke about his idyllic childhood on the family farm and the many jobs he was expected to do, along with his siblings, Gottfried, Elisabeth, and Hubert. (His children and grandchildren have listened to many accounts of the cows he tended and shoes he polished when he was 5 years old). He dreamed of being a farmer when he grew up, but this dream was shattered when the family was transported to a refugee camp in West Germany in the aftermath of the war. His brother, Hubert immigrated to Canada and encouraged Alois to do the same, which he did, in 1957, arriving in Toronto with a construction job lined up, starting the very next day. He worked hard, learned English, and still found time to enjoy the company of friends at the German/Austrian clubs in Toronto. It was at one of the dances that Alois met Lois, his future wife (although the similarity of their names was often confusing, they passed it off by saying that they ‘used to tap dance on the Gong Show’). Together they raised three caring, capable daughters, who, along with their husbands, have always been most supportive, especially in recent months when they have been so needed. His grandchildren were always a special light in his life and watching them kayak and swim at the Meaford cottage brought him much contentment. The last few years were a challenge for Alois as his health started to prevent him from dancing and enjoying his activities. He still took pleasure in the simple things such as following European soccer and sitting out on his back patio or up at the cottage, watching the birds and regularly inspecting his apple and pear trees. His last harvest of apples was bountiful, and he had the joy of eating many of his pears, which were exceptionally delicious this year. Alois passed peacefully at home in his 88th year. Alois -Lou to many- will be remembered for his loving commitment to his wife, Lois, three daughters, Kerstin, Karolyn, and Kathryn, their husbands, Kevin, Simon, and Patrick, and seven grandchildren: Madeleine, Noelle, Amelie, Adriana, Aric, Alexandra and Andrew. He was loved, and we miss him.

Friends and family are welcomed to Alois’ funeral mass and memorial at St. Martin of Tours Parish, 1290 McBride Ave, Mississauga, ON L5C 1M8, on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 11:00 am – viewing a half hour before Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Trillium Health Partners Foundation.